Thursday

Onslow County could see a combined $30 million in school construction funding if a bond referendum included in the governor’s proposed budget were to make it to a vote of the state’s residents.

Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget proposal includes a $3.9 billion bond package that would include $2 billion for K-12 public schools statewide for construction and renovation projects. In a news release this week, Cooper provided a breakdown of proposed funding by school district, with Onslow County Schools’ proposed share of the funding being $26.7 million.

There is also similar pending legislation before the General Assembly providing similar school construction funding through a “pay-as-you-go” plan rather than by a bond referendum, but neither option has gotten final approval.

The Onslow County Board of Education hasn’t taken a position on either, but Chairwoman Pam Thomas said additional funding for school construction projects is much needed.

The $26.7 million proposed in Cooper’s Invest N.C. bond proposal wouldn’t cover the cost to build new schools, but it would go far in meeting many other district facility needs, she said.

New classroom wings could possibly be added on some campuses and many upgrades or renovations could be addressed at the district’s older facilities.

“It would be a windfall for us,” Thomas said. “We may not be able to build new schools but it would help us sustain the integrity of our older buildings and add on classrooms on campuses where we have room to grow.”

There aren’t any funding commitments at this point, but Thomas said it good to know there is discussion happening by the General Assembly and the district would be pleased to see additional school construction funding.

Thomas said the Board of Education will likely discuss the issue at an upcoming board meeting.

“In case we get funding we want to be prepared,” she said.

The proposed bond would also include $500 million each for facility improvements at community colleges and University of North Carolina System institutions.

According to the information from the governor’s office, Coastal Carolina Community College’s allocation would be $4.4 million; Carteret Community College, $2.2 million; James Sprunt Community College, $2.6 million; and Cape Fear Community College, $8 million.

It would also invest $800 million in local water and sewer projects and $100 million in the N.C. History Museum and the N.C. Zoo.

Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or Jannette.Pippin@JDNews.com. For digital subscription information, click here.

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